From now through September 30, 2009, you are invited to view an exceptional exhibit in Warsaw’s main public library on Koszykowa Street. The exhibit includes a variety of materials from the library’s collection, including newspapers, memoirs, photographs, and drawings, illustrating how the U.S. was perceived by Poles in the years 1764-1919. Special attention is given to key topics such as: the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Polish immigrants after the November uprising, Poles participation in the Civil War, American relief efforts for Poland during World War I and the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations this year, the Warsaw Main Public Library’s exhibition is a fascinating and compelling reminder that the relationship between the Polish and American peoples extends much further back in time than the formal relationship between our two countries. The exhibition will be open for viewing at Warsaw Public Library, Koszykowa 26 till September 30, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

We’d love to remind our friends in Gdansk about our newly reopened American Corner, a resource center for American books, movies, and reference materials; resources for teaching English to elementary students; and events affiliate with the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. More photos from Michael Dobbs’ recent visit can be found here, courtesy of our American Corner staff Ania and Marta.

Want to help us celebrate the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations and the launch of our new website, www.polska-usa.pl? The first 20 people who respond to this message will be invited to a special reception at the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe! Please check the event date and details below, and if you’d like to attend, send an email to culture_warsaw@state.gov with the subject line BLOG90 and your full name and email address.

The American Corner in Gdansk and the City Public Library, together with the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, have the pleasure of inviting you to a special event on

Tuesday, May 12, 2009at 2:00 pm

American Corner Gdanskul. Targ Rakowy 5/6, Gdansk

We will unveil a new exhibition commemorating the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations, which covers 11 important moments in our shared history. To honor the moment, our special guest Michael Dobbs will have a lecture and discussion entitled:

“Atoning for Yalta: The United States and Poland, 1945-1989”

Michael Dobbs was the first Western reporter to visit the Lenin shipyard in Gdansk in 1980 (more…)